Pacific · VFSC-regulated · 15-year term

Vanuatu Gaming Licence

One of the most cost-competitive formal licences in 2026. Vanuatu's Interactive Gaming Licence covers casino, betting, poker and crypto gambling under one authorisation — €10,000 a year, no minimum capital, a 15-year term and issuance in about two months. Cheap, crypto-friendly and long-dated. Vantegris runs the whole file.

Last updated · July 2026 · 7-min read

€10,000
Annual licence fee
15 years
Licence validity
1% GGR
Gaming tax
No capital
Minimum required
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overview

What is the Vanuatu gaming licence?

The Vanuatu Interactive Gaming Licence is issued by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) under the Interactive Gaming Act [Cap 261] — a recognised Pacific offshore authorisation for online casino, sports betting, poker and crypto gambling aimed at international players.

Its appeal in 2026 is economics: a €5,000 application fee, a €10,000 annual licence fee, no minimum paid-up capital, and a licence valid for a full 15 years. Tax is 0% on turnover and just 1% on gross gaming revenue. A single licence covers all major verticals plus crypto gambling, includes two domains as standard, and the VFSC decides on a complete application within about two months — faster than Malta or Curaçao.

One licence, all verticals Casino, sports betting, poker, lottery-style games and crypto gambling under a single authorisation.
Very low cost €5,000 to apply and €10,000 a year, with no minimum capital requirement.
15-year term One of the longest validity periods available — long-term certainty.
Crypto-friendly Crypto gambling is expressly within scope, making it a natural home for crypto casinos.

advantages

Why operators pick Vanuatu

01Cost-competitive

Among the cheapest formal licences in 2026 — €10,000/yr, no minimum capital.

02Long 15-year term

Rare long validity means less renewal friction and more planning certainty.

03Crypto-native

Crypto gambling is explicitly covered, ideal for crypto-first operators.

04Low tax

0% turnover tax and just 1% on gross gaming revenue.

05Fast issuance

The VFSC decides within about two months of a complete application.

head to head

Vanuatu vs. Anjouan

Criteria Vanuatu Anjouan
Annual fee €10,000 €17,828
Licence term 15 years Annual
Tax 0% turnover · 1% GGR 0% GGR
Min. capital None None
Local presence Not required Not required
Timeline ≈ 2 months 4–8 weeks
Crypto gambling Expressly covered Expressly allowed
Best suited to Lowest annual cost · long term Fastest · established name

who it's for

Who the Vanuatu gaming licence suits

Cost-focused operators Teams that want the lowest annual licence fee for a formal, recognised permit.
Crypto casinos Crypto-first operators who need crypto gambling expressly within scope.
Long-horizon operators Those who value a 15-year term and minimal renewal friction.
Multi-vertical operators Casino, sportsbook, poker and lottery-style games under one authorisation.

requirements

Vanuatu gaming licence requirements

A corporate applicant with clear ownership.
No minimum paid-up capital required.
Fit-and-proper UBOs and directors.
Proof of funds.
Background checks on owners and key persons.
No sanctions or disqualifying convictions.
Source-of-funds evidence.
Clean business history.
Detailed business plan.
Proof of funds.
AML/KYC compliance policy.
Responsible-gaming policies.
Technical and RNG documentation.
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step by step

How to get a Vanuatu gaming licence

  1. Preparation Set up the corporate structure and assemble the business plan, proof of funds and policies. 1–2 weeks
  2. Application File the VFSC application with AML/KYC policy and supporting documents. 1–2 weeks
  3. Review & background checks The VFSC reviews the application and completes background checks. ≈ 2 months
  4. Licence & launch On approval the 15-year licence issues and you go live across all verticals. On approval

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pricing

How much does a Vanuatu gaming licence cost?

Starter Application essentials
  • Company setup guidance
  • Full VFSC application package
  • AML/KYC & responsible-gaming policies
  • Regulator liaison
Choose Starter
Full Structure & payments
  • Everything in Turnkey
  • Corporate accounts
  • Crypto payment rails
  • Ongoing compliance support
Choose Full
Regulatory fees & add-ons
Application fee€5,000
Annual licence fee€10,000
Additional domain (2 included)€5,000 each
Vantegris application & complianceon quote

Government fees are low — €5,000 to apply, €10,000/yr, two domains included. Add company setup and compliance. Tax is 0% on turnover and 1% on GGR. We quote your full first-year budget precisely.

obligations

Compliance obligations in Vanuatu

AML & KYC Player identification, monitoring and record-keeping under a documented policy.
Responsible gaming Self-exclusion, deposit limits and player-protection controls.
Fairness RNG certification and technical assurance.
Reporting Ongoing reporting to the VFSC and notification of material changes.

technical standards

Technical & IT standards in Vanuatu

Certified RNG RNG and games certified by a recognised laboratory.
Security Encrypted connections, secure hosting and standard cybersecurity controls.
Data protection Secure handling of player and financial data.
Player controls Deposit limits, self-exclusion and underage-play prevention.

after launch

After you go live in Vanuatu

Renewals Managing the long 15-year term and any within-term obligations.
Compliance monitoring Keeping AML/KYC and responsible-gaming programmes current.
Banking & payments Building and maintaining PSP, crypto and banking relationships.
Scaling Adding domains, verticals or a second jurisdiction as you grow.

market access

Which markets a Vanuatu licence reaches

Vanuatu supports broad international reach, but a licence is not market access. Operators geo-block regulated markets they are not separately licensed in, plus sanctioned and FATF-listed territories.

Restricted / prohibited countries
United StatesUnited KingdomRegulated EU marketsFATF-listed nations

Operators must use GEO-IP blocking for restricted countries and any FATF-blacklisted nation. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation.

Vanuatu gaming licence FAQ

How much does a Vanuatu gaming licence cost?

The application fee is €5,000 and the annual licence fee is €10,000, with two domains included (additional domains €5,000 each). There is no minimum capital requirement. Tax is 0% on turnover and 1% on gross gaming revenue — making it one of the most cost-competitive formal licences in 2026.

How long is a Vanuatu licence valid?

The Vanuatu Interactive Gaming Licence is valid for 15 years — one of the longest terms available, which minimises renewal friction.

What does the licence cover?

A single licence covers online casino, sports betting, poker, lottery-style games and crypto gambling under one authorisation.

How long does it take?

The VFSC decides on a complete application within about two months — faster than Malta (6–9 months) or Curaçao (3–6 months).

How does Vanuatu compare to Anjouan?

Both are fast, low-cost offshore permits with no local presence and crypto covered. Vanuatu has the lower annual fee (€10,000) and a remarkable 15-year term, with a small 1% GGR tax; Anjouan is 0% gaming tax and slightly faster. We'll help you pick based on cost, term and banking needs.

Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team · Last updated July 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.

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